The Raven – Edgar Allan Poe (Reading & 1909 film)

Quoth the raven, “Nevermore…” Incredible poem from 1845 by famous American writer Edgar Allan Poe, set to an old silent film inspired by the poem.

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,” starts the famous narrative.

It follows the story of a man dealing with his sadness at the passing of his wife. Late one night, he is visited by a raven, who ultimately brings the man to realise his soul is trapped and will be lifted “nevermore” .

The reading fits neatly with the vintage film titled ‘Edgar Allan Poe’ from 1909, directed by D.W. Griffith. It follows Poe’s own story as he dealt with his wife’s illness, and features screenplay by Frank E. Woods, who was reported to be influenced by the poem.

The audio reading was made over 170 years later in 2014, and is by Fergus Ross Ferrier.